DR. AMBER LAWSON 156th President Georgia Dental Association January . 2025 Journal of the Georgia Dental Association SM
Scan and submit your entry for a chance toWIN! Welcome to the second “Cool Tools,” an Action magazine feature dedicated to showcasing the innovative tech tools that enhance your daily life. This month, we’re excited to introduce the Ember Mug 2, the smart mug that keeps your drink at the perfect temperature for hours. Whether you’re sipping coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, the Ember Mug ensures your beverage stays warm exactly the way you like it—no more reheating between patient appointments. Elevate Your Coffee Game with the Ember Mug 2! 2 | Jan 2025
GDACONTENTS January 2025 Volume 44 • No. 1 6 2 025 CONVENTION & EXPO 14 LEGISLATIVE INSIDER 30 MEET THE 2025 GDA PRESIDENT 33 2025 DISTRICT PRESIDENTS 41 2 025 LEADERSHIP DIRECTORY 46 REVOLUTIONIZING DENTAL CARE With The Autism Reality Experience features in every issue 2 COOL TOOLS 9 SEEN & HEARD 18 MEMBER PROFILE 52 ADVERTISERS INDEX 54 CLASSIFIEDS additional articles 12 G EORGIA, LICENSURE PORTABILITY, AND THE DDH COMPACT 16 FORGET NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS: Embrace the Power of Daily Renewal 22 NEW YEAR, NEW GDA DENTAL SUPPLY COMPANY 26 MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS 28 CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH 48 DISCOVER THE GDA HUB BOT MEETINGS: March 7 - 8, 2025 | Macon, GA June 18, 2025 | 8 am, Omni Amelia Island September 5, 2025 | 11 am, GDA Office December 12, 2025 | 11 am, GDA Office HOD Meetings: January 31, 2025 | 1 1 am, The Westin Peachtree Plaza June 18, 2025 | 1 pm, Omni Amelia Island meeting dates 2025 GDA BOT & HOD | 3 Jan 2025
Volume 44. No. 1 GDA Action (2735989) is published five times per year by the Georgia Dental Association, 1850 Parkway Place, Suite 420, Marietta, GA 30067. Periodicals postage paid at Marietta, GA and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to GDA Action, 1850 Parkway Pl, Suite 420, Marietta, GA, 30067 Dr. Amber Lawson GDA President 1850 Parkway Pl, Suite 420 Marietta, GA 30067 [email protected] GDA ACTION seeks to be an issuesdriven journal focusing on current matters affecting Georgia dentists and patients accomplished by disseminating information and providing a forum for commentary. Closing date for all editorial and advertising materials: Six weeks prior to publication. Subscriptions: $17 of GDA membership dues is for the Journal; all others, $75 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Marietta, GA and additional mailing offices. © Copyright 2025 by the Georgia Dental Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. Publication of any article or advertisement should not be deemed an endorsement of the opinions expressed or products advertised. The GDA expressly reserves the right to refuse publication of any article, photograph, or advertisement, and illustrate, reduce, or revise any article submitted. 4 | Jan 2025
REACHUS@ Accounting Michelle Lightcap, x-192 [email protected] Classified Advertising jobs.gadental.org Education Emily Jackson, x-128 [email protected] Sheila Watson, x-131 [email protected] Government Affairs Janelle Adams, x-109 [email protected] Jon Hoin, x-105 [email protected] Membership Mary Busby, x-114 [email protected] Kaitlyn McKenzie, x-152 [email protected] Vivian Gray, x-102 [email protected] Marketing & Communications Maddie Shaw, x-127 [email protected] Addie Meredith, x-103 [email protected] Public Relations/ GDA Foundation for Oral Health Carol Galbreath, x-119 [email protected] Paula Gibson, x-116 [email protected] GDA Convention & Expo Chelsea Skalski, x-100 [email protected] Indigo Cox, x-106 [email protected] GDA Dental Supply Company Michele Amatulli 770.395.0224, x-111 [email protected] Insurance Services Michele Amatulli 770.395.0224, x-111 [email protected] Professional Insurance Needs Kelly Fillingim 770.395.0224, x-129 [email protected] Group Health Ins. & Medicare Supplements Christy Biddy 770.395.0224, x-113 [email protected] Renewal Account Manager Veronica Ross 770.395.0224, x-193 [email protected] GDIS Sales & Customer Support Rep Jemma Morris, x-126 [email protected] GEORGIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION 1850 Parkway Pl, Suite 420 Marietta, GA 30067 Toll Free Phone: 800.432.4357 Phone: 404.636.7553 Fax: 404.633.3943 GDIS Phone: 770.395.0224 Kristen Morgan Executive Director/CEO 404.636.7553, x-189 [email protected] Jeannie Watson Senior Executive Assistant 404.636.7553, x-108 [email protected] | 5 Jan 2025
2025 GDA Co JOIN US SAVE the DATE June 19-22 2025 Omni Amelia Island Resort We look forward to seeing you there! REGISTRATION OPENS February 1st. DON’T WAIT—secure your spot early to take advantage of the best pricing, $545, and reserve your hotel accommodations. Make it a memorable family getaway! Enjoy a week of professional development, networking, and relaxation on the beach with your loved ones. 6 | Jan 2025
nvention & Expo INTRODUCING the 2025 GDA Convention & Expo Keynote Speaker: CHAD HYMAS SAVE YOUR SEAT: This is the lowest rate! GDA Member rate – $545 Offer expires February 28, 2025 life changed in an instant when a 2,000-pound bale of hay shattered his neck, leaving him a quadriplegic. But Chad’s dreams were not paralyzed that day—he became an example of what is possible. Chad is a best-selling author, president of his own communications company, and recognized world-class wheelchair athlete. In 2003, Chad set a world record by wheeling his chair from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas (513 miles). Chad’s speaking career in the areas of leadership, team building, customer service, and mastering change has brought him multiple honors. He served as president of the National Speakers Association Utah chapter and is a member of the elite Speakers Roundtable (one of twenty of the world’s top speakers). As a member of the National Speakers Association, Chad travels as many as 300,000 miles a year, captivating and entertaining audiences around the world. He has graced the stage of hundreds of professional and civic organizations, including Wells Fargo, Blue Cross Blue Shield, AT&T, Rainbird, IHC, American Express, Prudential Life, Vast FX, and Merrill Lynch. Chad inspires, motivates, and moves audiences, creating an experience that touches hearts for a lifetime. He is one of the youngest ever to receive the Council of Peers Award for Excellence (CPAE) and to be inducted into the prestigious National Speaker Hall of Fame. In 2001, at the age of 27, Chad’s REGISTRATION INFO: Need to Know! That’s a $142 SAVINGS from the standard rate!
CELEBRATING MEMBERSHIP– Welcome New Members October – November 2024 Dr. Samer Mufid Othman - CDDS Dr. Alan Derrick Griffith - EDDS Dr. Chanda Darlene Bennett - EDDS Dr. David M Pehrson - NDDS Dr. Jacqueline Delash - NDDS Dr. R Matthew Dunford - NDDS Dr. Herpreet Kaur Sethi - NDDS Dr. Monica Gupta Sharma - NDDS Dr. Thomas P Suitt - NDDS Dr. Joseph D Murray Jr - NDDS Dr. Paul Yurfest - NDDS Dr. Carlos Andres Castro Perdomo - NDDS Dr. Jeeyeoun Park - NDDS Dr. William Prior - NDDS Dr. Michael L Minyard - NDDS Dr. Robert Miles Bell - NDDS Dr. Brandon Lynch - NDDS Dr. Robert H Creager - NDDS Dr. Tabitha E Efobi - NDDS Dr. Melissa Mc Millon - NDDS Dr. Christopher D Pesut - NDDS Dr. Jason Lane Webb - NWDDS Dr. Supreet Kaur - NWDDS Dr. Jason M Stevens - NWDDS Dr. Patricia W Hampton - NWDDS Dr. Doug Hiser - NWDDS Dr. Vincent Michael Lloyd - NWDDS Dr. Lorenzo Minniti - NWDDS Dr. Debbie Denise Granger - NWDDS Dr. Michael C Whirt - SEDDS Dr. Barry Klein - SEDDS Dr. Skyler Brooke Renfroe Simons - SWDDS Dr. Gregory John Keiser - SWDDS Dr. Alfred Toby Mott - SWDDS Dr. Alfred E Aguero - SWDDS Dr. Ashlee Turner-Lee - WDDS 8 | Jan 2025
SEEN&HEARD Members making news and news for GDA members. The Georgia Dental Association (GDA) helped secure over 2,000 dental hygiene kits for communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Dr. Charles Spicer, a GDA member, and his dental team distributed the kits to those affected in the Eastern District, providing much-needed support in the aftermath of the storm. It’s Spooky to Be Hungry Event in Harlem, GA McDuffie County Senior Center Help from D1 students, Mikayla Morgenroth, Veronica Abdelmasih, & Shellie Xu. Thank you to the GDA community, Atlanta Dental, Henry Schein, and the GDA Dental Supply Company for their generous donations and unwavering support. Your contributions make a meaningful difference, and we are deeply grateful for your partnership. GDA Board Member, Dr. Bachand, passed out kits to people in need at his church. | 9 Jan 2025
SEEN&HEARD Members making news and news for GDA members. The Dental Dash at Dawn 5K raises funds to support DDD Foundation programs that provide dental treatment to developmentally disabled patients. PICTURED L-R: GDA Staff, Paula Gibsons and Carol Galbreath with Sheri Anderson and Dr. Deidra Rondeno. Dr. Deidra Rondeno is DDD Foundation Founder and CEO. Sheri Anderson is DDD Foundation Director of Development. Q: What US President signed Medicare and Medicaid into law in 1965? DCG students participated in Trivia Night at Savannah River Brewing Co. hosted by the GDA Government Affairs team. Teams answered both fun and informative questions about dentistry and health policy, diving deeper into how those impact Georgia dentists. Big thanks to the Dental College of Georgia ASDA for participating! A: Lyndon B. Johnson 10 | Jan 2025
Dr. Jamie Mitchell and Dr. Peter Shatz attended the annual Gala of Georgia Indian Dental Association. Dr. Mitchell addressed members and guests. His message was how important it is to collectively support organized dentistry. Dr. Shatz echoed the importance of collective strength. It was a fun evening with about 100 guests in attendance. Dr. & Mrs. Mitchell with Georgia Indian Dental Association’s President Dr. Venkat Chalasani and his wife, Gayatri Chalasani | 11 Jan 2025
EDUCATION Starting as early as winter 2025, the Dentist and Dental Hygienist (DDH) Compact will begin accepting applications for interstate practice privileges. Georgia is not a member of the newly operationalizing compact, and DDH’s formation provides an opportunity to reflect on the potential value and drawbacks of licensure portability. Without tightening certain provisions, DDH falls short of Georgia’s existing licensure standard, and its benefits are likely to be limited at best. What is the DDH Compact? The DDH Compact is an agreement that creates a way for dentists and dental hygienists to practice across state lines. It is an interstate compact, essentially a contract between states.1 Compacts are enacted when a group of states enact identical legislation, and since they cannot be unilaterally amended, compacts offer a stable solution to long-term problems.1 The oldest interstate compacts have historically been related to issues like boundary disputes and water rights.1 Agreements related to licensure portability are relatively new.1 DDH currently has 10 participating states (Figure 1): Washington, Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and Maine. Pennsylvania and New Jersey have pending legislation.2 Figure 1 DDH’s agreement lays out a framework for developing an infrastructure to facilitate interstate licensing.2–4 It creates a Compact Commission, composed of 1 delegate from each state, which administers all aspects of the program. The compact’s primary function is to allow providers to obtain compact privileges which authorize them to practice in other participating states. To obtain and exercise a compact privilege, providers must have a license in good standing and meet other qualifying criteria shared by member states. At their first meeting in August of 2024, the Compact Commission began the work of operationalizing DDH. That work includes developing by-laws, deploying necessary data infrastructure, rulemaking, laying the organization’s financial groundwork, and other fundamental tasks necessary to launching a functional organization. If done well, DDH’s early work will address and assuage critics’ concerns. Critics of DDH raise questions related to cost, differences in clinical exam requirements, and surrendering some regulatory authority to an interstate organization with limited accountability. 6 Notably, DDH does not require a hand skills test to access compact privileges, but it does require a clinical exam. The result is that its standard is currently lower than Georgia’s. Rulemaking by the Compact Commission could account for this, and defining the term “clinical assessment” was listed as an initial rulemaking priority at the Commission’s meeting.4 However, critics argue that a standard without a required hand skills test could put dentists in states with higher thresholds at an unfair disadvantage on the path to practicing in their state.6 The Commission also heard a presentation on other compacts’ financial arrangements at their first meeting. Tools for financing a compact include compact privilege fees, state assessments, and grants. Typically, grants fund startup costs. Privilege fees cover much of the budget once a compact is up and running, but some compacts do require states to supplement their income. Compacts referenced in the financial presentation included occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, counseling, speech pathology, and EMS. Their annual budgets run from $140,000 to $460,000.4 The Compact Commission’s initial meeting did pay special attention to concerns about regulatory authority. Representatives from the Council of State Governments, a group providing administrative support as DDH operationalizes, emphasized statutory limitations on the Compact Commission’s rulemaking authority. Legislation required for a state to join DDH reserves the right of states to take adverse action against a person’s compact privilege, but only a state that licensed a licensee may take adverse action against a license. States retain the right to enforce their own laws related to the practice of dentistry, and they retain the right to determine limits on the scope of practice. DDH’s rulemaking authority is limited to the promulgation of, “reasonable Rules in order to effectively and efficiently implement the purposes and provisions of the Compact.”7 In sum, states surrender a degree of authority related to who may be authorized to work in the state, allowing the Compact to make initial determinations Compact Map No Active Legislation Legislation Pending Legislation Enacted GEORGIA, Licensure Portability, and the DDH Compact Jon Hoin, GDA Health Policy Specialist 12 | Jan 2025
of Compact Privilege, but they do not surrender final authority over who may work in the state. Why Licensure Portability? One commonly cited policy idea for addressing dental workforce challenges is licensure portability. Proponents of licensure portability argue that by smoothing the process of transferring licensure, labor markets can be strengthened, and workforce challenges can be alleviated.2 The argument goes that compacts facilitate mobility, ease administrative burden, and expand employment opportunities into new markets: In turn, this mobility benefits everyone by freeing the market to do what functioning markets do. Opponents cite concerns about patient safety and quality of care, and for dental boards, there is a particular concern about variation between states in the examination of prospective licensees, especially related to hand skills.6 Arguments in favor of interstate licensure for dentists and hygienists typically track with broader ones about interstate licensing in general, but like other healthcare professions, legitimate reasons for licensure demand careful assessment of any proposals that would lower necessary standards. Some professions lend themselves to easy reciprocity between states’ licensing boards. It is unlikely that a bad haircut or a poor flower arrangement will lead to a lifethreatening or life-altering event.8 In these kinds of scenarios, differences in state law do not matter all that much, but reducing the number of practicing surgeons with suboptimal skills matters quite a bit to the people being operated on. The Current and Future State of Georgia’s Dental Workforce Georgia’s current status shows some workforce shortfall and significant distributional challenges. Georgia currently has 5,211 dentists, all specialties, in its workforce, and it has 6,193 hygienists. The math works out to 49 dentists and 58 hygienists per 100,000 people.9 Density varies by rurality, with as many as 100 dentists per 100,000 people in Fayette County, and 0 per 100,000 people in more than 20 other counties. Over 40 Georgia counties have one dentist or less. Dentist Subset All Dentists <10 Years 10+ Years 2019 Count 4,572 1,093 3,479 Remained in State 4,399 980 3,419 Left State 173 113 60 Entered State 290 207 83 2022 Count 4,689 1,187 3,502 Net Migration 117 94 23 Net Migration Percent 2.6% 8.6% 0.7% SOURCE: ADA Health Policy Institute11 Absolute numbers only provide part of the picture. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) uses economic models to estimate supply and demand for the healthcare workforce. HRSA estimates that the 2024 supply of general dentists in the United States can adequately meet 98% of demand, and they project that in 2036 supply will meet 95% of demand.10 Georgia’s supply is estimated to be 86% of demand, trending positive to 93% by 2036.10 Georgia’s hygienist supply is 73%, moving to 76%. In both cases, HRSA predicts Georgia’s workforce will better match local demand even as national supply and demand diverge.10 The supplementation of Georgia’s dental workforce is, in part, the result of positive net migration. Dentists with under 10 years of experience, those most likely to move, are moving to Georgia more frequently than dentists leave (Table 1).11 Georgia’s net migration of new dentists is 7th in the nation. Table 1. Migration Flow of Georgia Dentists by Experience 2019-2022 How Could Expanded Licensure Portability Impact Georgia Dentistry? To assess DDH’s potential impact on Georgia dentistry, one must first clarify exactly what compacts, and other interstate licensing laws, actually do. Existing studies provide a poor comparison for dentists. They either look at universal licensing recognition (ULR) for a variety of professions, or they examine health compacts designed for people, such as nurses and physicians, whose practice, clinical and business, differs from the dental profession.12–15 Dental practice, particularly for owners, is distinctly local and hands on. Several findings are still worth consideration. Universal licensing measures broadly do not appear to incentivize movement, but compacts may help determine the destination of those inclined to move.12,13,15 One study did find a slight uptick in nurse outflows between compact states.16 Border counties are of particular interest since they are places where interstate practice is enabled by proximity.12,14,15 ULR/compacts for some professions, specifically nurses, may promote cross-border work. Physicians appear to expand their interstate practice, likely in partnership with large multistate hospital systems, with a compact in place, but physicians in border counties were likely already invested in local cross-border practice before compact formation.15 Add to this one final open, and difficult to answer, question: At what point does quality start to slip as licensing standards are eased? The argument between some and no licensing is easy to settle, but parsing out the influence of individual licensing requirements can be methodologically difficult.17 Several of the studies focused on dentistry have produced mixed or null results when asking what quality enhancement variation in standards brings to patients.17 Given the limited evidence, DDH may present an opportunity to better study this question as states opt in to membership at different times. In sum, predicting the impact of Georgia’s membership in DDH is difficult. Without being able to observe DDH in action, conjecture is all that remains. Compact membership is unlikely to have a large impact on Georgia’s most pressing workforce challenges, particularly as relates to the distribution of providers or the supply of hygienists. DDH may open new business opportunities for dentists involved with larger health care entities. It may also allow dentists to practice in Georgia without the same clinical testing that is currently required. The unknowns currently outweigh the knowns, but Georgia, thanks to its current circumstances, need not rush to seek compact membership. | 13 Jan 2025
The 2025 Legislative Session will begin on January 13th, 2025. This year is the first year of the biennial, meaning any legislation that is not passed by the end of these legislative 40 days will still be active for the 2026 Legislative Session. In the 2025 Legislative Session, the Georgia Dental Association will focus on teledentistry, tort reform, Medicaid reimbursement, and centralized continuing education. The Georgia Dental Association’s Government Relations team has been hard at work creating a plan for the 2025 session to cultivate an environment that will allow us to be successful in our legislative asks and protect best practices. During the 2024 off-season, the Government Relations team at GDA has met with key leaders to ensure that the priorities of our member dentists are heard, and we have set a game plan to ensure a successful legislative session. These key leaders include Chairman Lee Hawkins, Representative John Carson, and policy leaders in the Governor’s Office. GDA is working to make sure that all our champions in the legislature are prepared and equipped with data and facts to back up our efforts. Each of our Dental Districts hosted legislative receptions during the off-season where they were joined by their respective legislators, district members, and GDA leadership. These receptions allow our members to spend time with their legislators, forming relationships and providing some insight into our 2025 legislative goals. After one of the most contentious elections in recent history, the Georgia legislature remains in Republican control. The House Republicans hold a solid majority, 100-80, and the Senate Republicans hold the same margin as last year, 33-23. The House and Senate Majority Leadership will remain the same with Rep. Jon Burns as Speaker of the House and Sen. John F. Kennedy as the Senate President Pro Tempore. With both House and Senate minority leaders retiring, minority caucuses selected new leadership. The Senate elected Sen. Harold Jones II as the Senate Minority Leader, with Sen. Elena Parent remaining the Minority Caucus Chair and Sen. Kim Jackson becoming the Minority Whip. The House Minority Caucus elected Rep. Carolyn Hugley as the House Minority Leader as well as Rep. Tanya Miller to serve as the Minority Caucus Chair, replacing Rep. Billy Mitchell who is still serving in the legislature. Rep. Sam Park will continue to serve as the Minority Whip. The Georgia Dental Association will be publishing weekly legislative updates on our website. You will be able to find information on what legislation we are supporting, what legislation we are fighting off, what is happening with state budgets, and everything else happening under the gold dome. VISIT gadental.org/legislativeinsider or SCAN the QR code! Legislative Insider Become a Contact Dentist! Visit gadental.org/contactdentist to learn more! 14 | Jan 2025
| 15 Jan 2025
CONTINUING EDUCATION Forget New Year’s Resolutions: Embrace the Power of Daily Renewal DR. KAREN TINDALL and DR. LAURA SCHWINDT Every day is a new chapter in the story of our lives. As we navigate this journey, we can choose to lead with purpose, overcome obstacles with resilience, and savor the beauty of the experience. Leadership plays a crucial role in fostering a positive and productive dental office environment. By prioritizing employee well-being and creating a supportive culture, leaders can empower their teams to reach their full potential. Research from the Well-Being Research Centre at the University of Oxford has shown a strong correlation between employee happiness and productivity. A one-point increase in happiness can lead to a 12% increase in productivity. By investing in the well-being of their teams, leaders can reap significant benefits for their practice. In the demanding field of dentistry, the pursuit of well-being is a rising priority. Stress and burnout rates in the dental profession continue to rise, so prioritizing mental and emotional well-being is becoming an essential component of protecting career longevity, ensuring job satisfaction, and delivering highquality patient care. The science of well-being is grounded in psychology, neuroscience, and health sciences and offers a holistic approach to the understanding of human well-being beyond the absence of disease. Using the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, social, and professional dimensions, well-being initiatives make it possible to provide a framework for managing stress, enhancing resilience, and fostering a positive workplace culture. Research consistently demonstrates the detrimental effects of chronic stress on dental professionals, leading to burnout, anxiety, and depression. Conversely, interventions that encourage positive emotions, mindfulness, and social support have been shown to mitigate these negative outcomes. The provision of support for dental practice teams can include a personalized combination of individual and team coaching, workshops to raise awareness, and in-depth team retreats. For each practice, this looks different, but the results are the same: Elevated Energy Levels: Creating a surge in vitality and mental clarity allows challenges to be tackled with renewed focus and enthusiasm. Enhanced Meaning: Dental teams discover a profound sense of purpose in their work and life, fueling individual strengths and driving the team towards greater fulfillment and legacy. Accelerated Success: Achieving goals with greater efficiency and effectiveness, thereby unlocking the team’s full potential and reaching new heights of accomplishment without burnout. Unbreakable Team Cohesion: Fostering deeper connections and collaboration within the team leads to increased synergy, productivity, shared success, and a team who functions at an optimal level. What is Daily Renewal and How Can It Benefit My Dental Practice? Daily renewal is the practice of intentionally refreshing one’s mind, body, and spirit on a daily basis. As dental professionals, we often find ourselves immersed in demanding schedules and high-stress situations. By incorporating daily renewal practices into our lives and those of our teams, we can enhance our overall well-being, improve our job performance, and strengthen our relationships. Well-being may be regarded by some as a ‘soft’ topic, but well-being is a genuine science because well-being can be measured and improved. As humans, our experience consists of good and bad days. There is nothing ‘soft’ about a bad day for the individual who is experiencing it. Science allows us to address total well-being from an evidence-based perspective and measure the results. In a profession that is truly science-based and professionals who are scientifically trained, well-being should be viewed as a critical component of practice success. When addressing the well-being challenges faced by dental teams, it is essential to utilize science-based strategies that promote positive emotions, mindfulness, and social support. Positive psychology interventions, such as gratitude practices, strengths-based work, and positive feedback, help to cultivate a more resilient and optimistic mindset. Having selfcompassion and developing a growth mindset is also crucial for fostering well-being.2 Practical Tips for Daily Renewal To cultivate a fulfilling and meaningful life, it is essential to incorporate daily practices 16 | Jan 2025
that promote well-being. Here are a few tips to help you embark on your journey of selfimprovement: Start your day with intention: Begin each day by setting a clear intention. This could involve setting specific goals, visualizing success, or simply focusing on a positive mindset. Practice mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, into your daily routine. Mindfulness can help reduce stress, increase focus, and enhance overall well-being. Prioritize self-care: Make time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. This could include anything from reading a book to taking a relaxing bath or spending time in nature. Surround yourself with positivity: Spend time with people who uplift and inspire you. Positive relationships can have a significant impact on your mental and emotional health. Celebrate your small wins: Acknowledge and appreciate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Recognizing your progress can boost your motivation and keep you moving forward. The Power of Virtues The ancient philosophers understood the importance of cultivating virtues to lead a fulfilling life. Modern psychology has also confirmed the link between virtue and wellbeing.3 By embodying virtues such as wisdom, courage, love, and gratitude, we can enhance our overall quality of life. Putting Virtues into Action in a Dental Practice As dental professionals, we have a unique opportunity to apply these virtues in our daily work. Here are a few examples: Wisdom: Continuously seek knowledge and stay updated on the latest dental techniques and research. Make informed decisions by considering all options and potential consequences. Seek advice from mentors and colleagues to gain valuable insights. Courage: Step outside your comfort zone by taking on new challenges and opportunities for growth. Speak up for what you believe in and advocate for your patients. Face your fears and overcome obstacles with resilience. Love: Show compassion and empathy for your patients by treating them with kindness and respect. Build positive relationships with your colleagues and foster a collaborative work environment. Give back to your community by volunteering your time and skills. Zest: Approach your work with enthusiasm and passion. Find joy in what you do and celebrate your successes, both big and small. Maintain high energy levels by prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Gratitude: Express appreciation for your patients, colleagues, and opportunities. Practice mindfulness and gratitude to focus on the present moment and appreciate what you have. Give back to others by sharing your blessings. Hope: Maintain a positive outlook for the future and believe in the possibility of positive change. Set goals and work towards them to stay motivated. Surround yourself with positive influences who inspire and uplift you. Curiosity: Ask questions, seek new knowledge, and explore different perspectives. Be open to learning and growth, and view setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve. By embodying these virtues, all members of a dental team can create a more fulfilling and meaningful daily life and overall career. The success lies in implementing small achievable goals using realistic solutions that are backed by science. Radical changes to routine are unlikely to gather the results that people are looking for. A key factor in increasing wellbeing is consistency in the application of new knowledge and strategies. Small and consistent steps towards the overall well-being goal are the most certain way to ensure success. When the well-being of a dental team is prioritized, the effects are wide-reaching, positively impacting the lives of the team’s patients. Patients certainly notice and feel the energy and positivity of a dental practice that focuses on well-being. The ultimate return on a well-being investment is multifaceted. Happy patients recommend the practice to their friends. The referral power of satisfied patients is priceless. The productivity of the practice increases both at an individual team member and practice level. The people within the practice feel energized and empowered, often seeking to further their expertise and learn new skills. Feeling good is infectious, and the desire for total well-being spreads throughout the practice and further into the homes of the team members. Remember, the journey of self-improvement is a lifelong process. Beginning by embracing the power of daily renewal and cultivating positive habits is a powerful starting point from which you can unlock your full potential and live a life of joy, purpose, and fulfillment. 1 Bellet, Clement. “Does Employee Happiness Have an Impact on Productivity?” SSRN, 17 October 2019, https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_ id=3470734. Accessed 10 October 2024. 2 Neale, Palena. ““Serious” Leaders Need Self-Care, Too.” Harvard Business Review, 22 October 2020, https://hbr.org/2020/10/serious-leaders-need-self-caretoo. Accessed 10 October 2024. 3 Jurist E, Greenberg D, Pizziferro M, Alaluf R, Perez Sosa M. Virtue, well-being, and mentalized affectivity. Res Psychother. 2023 Dec 31; 26(3):710. doi: 10.4081/ripppo.2023.710. PMID: 38189466; PMCID: PMC10849072. AUTHORS’ BIO: Dr. Karen Tindall and Dr. Laura Schwindt are seasoned dentists and certified life coaches who founded The Mint Door. They believe that true success in your dental practice starts with prioritizing the well-being of the entire team. They partner with dental professionals who understand that a thriving business is built on a foundation of personal and collective wellness. Through providing customized well-being solutions The Mint Door understands the unique needs of busy dentists and their teams to create a business where everyone feels valued, sported, and energized. Dr. Tindall and Dr. Schwindt are delivering their innovative in person workshop: Maverick Mindset: Break the Burnout Cycle and Soar Above the Ordinary Elevate Your Team’s Potential – Take Off to New Heights of Success and Well-being! at the 2025 GDA Convention & EXPO. Contact The Mint Door: [email protected] | 17 Jan 2025
GDAMEMBERPROFILE This column highlights GDA members talking about their path to dentistry and the value they find in GDA membership. This month we hear from Dr. Praveen Gudipati. What or who inspired you to become a dentist? I was born and raised in India, and I never visited a dentist there until I entered dental school. As a child, I had always dreamed of becoming a doctor, but I missed out on a medical seat by just one rank. The only option left was dentistry, so I enrolled in dental school. To my surprise, I quickly developed a deep appreciation for dentistry. Just two months into the program, I was offered a place in medical school, but I decided to turn it down. By then, I had already seen the impact that dentistry could have on people’s lives, and I knew it was the path I wanted to pursue. What surprised you during your first year practicing as a dentist? In my first year of practicing dentistry, I was surprised by how much of the work involves not only technical skills but also effective communication. It was eye-opening to realize how crucial it is to build trust with patients, understand their concerns, and clearly explain treatment options. Easing their anxiety, especially during complex procedures, became just as important as the clinical work itself. The need to truly listen to each patient and address their individual worries made me appreciate the human aspect of dentistry even more. Is there a particular piece of technology that you would consider to be a favorite in your practice? If so, how have these tools been game-changers for you and/ or your patients? One of my favorite pieces of technology in my practice is the intraoral camera. It has been a game-changer for both me and my patients. The ability to capture clear, detailed images of the inside of a patient’s mouth allows me to diagnose issues more accurately and efficiently. For patients, seeing the images on a screen helps them better understand their dental health and the need for treatment. This not only improves communication but also builds trust, as patients can visually see what I’m referring to. The intraoral camera has made a significant difference in patient education and has greatly enhanced the overall treatment experience. What does GDA membership mean to you? Being a member of the Georgia Dental Association (GDA) is incredibly valuable to me, both professionally and personally. It offers access to a wide range of resources, including insurance services, continuing education (C.E.), advocacy, and various other programs that support my practice. The GDA also provides Praveen Gudipati, DMD, MPH, FAGD PRAVEEN GUDIPATI DMD, MPH, FAGD 18 | Jan 2025
excellent opportunities for networking and collaboration with fellow dental professionals, fostering a strong sense of community and mutual support. Overall, my membership enhances my ability to provide the best possible care for my patients while continuously growing and evolving as a dentist. What advice would you give (or have you given) to a dental student? The best advice I would give to a dental student is to stay curious and embrace lifelong learning. It’s important to stay up-to-date and never stop learning. Additionally, developing strong communication skills is just as crucial as honing your technical abilities. Being able to connect with patients, understand their concerns, and clearly explain treatment options is key to building trust and providing excellent care. Lastly, don’t be afraid to seek guidance from mentors and peers in GDA. Dentistry can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Building a strong support network will help you navigate both the challenges and triumphs of your career. What do you enjoy doing to decompress? To decompress, I really enjoy walking in the woods. Being surrounded by nature helps me clear my mind and recharge. I also cherish spending quality time with my family. Whether it’s a simple meal together or a shared activity, those moments allow me to unwind and strengthen the bonds that keep me grounded. Both nature and family time help me find balance and reset, so I can approach each day with renewed energy. If you were on a plane right now, where would you be headed? If I were on a plane right now, I would be headed to India to visit my parents and friends. It’s always refreshing to reconnect with my roots and spend time with loved ones. At the same time, I would love to visit Europe to immerse myself in its rich culture and stunning architecture. The history, art, and unique charm of European cities have always fascinated me, and I look forward to experiencing them firsthand. Both destinations offer something special, whether it’s reconnecting with family or exploring new cultures. Without saying “I am a dentist,” what would you say if someone asked you what you do for a living? I work in healthcare, focusing on helping people maintain their smiles and overall oral health. I spend my days diagnosing and treating various dental conditions, ensuring my patients are comfortable, and helping them improve both their dental health and confidence. It’s a rewarding job that combines science, artistry, and the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. About Family!!! I live in Cumming, with my wife, Anu, and our two daughters, Meghna and Nithya. We enjoy traveling and spending quality time together as a family. Whether it’s exploring new places or simply enjoying each other’s company at home. | 19 Jan 2025
EXCLUSIVEPARTNER PERKS for GDA Members: Did you know GDA members enjoy exclusive benefits from all endorsed partners? Below is a selection of these partners along with their related savings and offerings. Make sure to bookmark this page for easy reference! In the upcoming issues of Action, each endorsed partner will be featured in the spotlight, highlighting the unique advantages they provide. Don’t miss the opportunity to maximize membership benefits! If not a GDA member and interested in learning more about membership benefits, please reach out to our membership team at [email protected]. CyraCom offers remote language interpretation services that help improve communication with patients who have limited English proficiency. As a member, you’ll enjoy significant savings, paying just $0.81 per minute—nearly 70% off the regular rate of $2.49 per minute. There are no minimums, setup fees, or monthly subscriptions, and getting started is quick and easy using the devices you already have, such as phones, tablets, or computers. Scan QR code to access member benefit. >>> Scan QR code to access member benefit. >>> DentalHQ is a membership plan that helps dental practices grow by providing predictable, recurring revenue. It reduces reliance on insurance, offering patients easier access to care while boosting retention and case acceptance. With automated payments, practices see 90%+ retention rates and fewer cancellations. It’s a great option for patients without traditional insurance, such as retirees or the self-employed, and helps streamline office operations for better patient care. RECOGNIZING Our Endorsed Partners NEW Partner! 20 | Jan 2025
GDA members receive 35% off the regular monthly price of iCoreExchange, a secure, HIPAA-compliant email service that allows unlimited file attachments, encrypted communications, and easy access to patient records from anywhere. Protect your practice and streamline your workflow with this exclusive discount! GDA members get 50% savings on OnPay’s full-service payroll, starting at just $40 + $6 per person each month. Plus, enjoy the first three months FREE when you switch! OnPay handles tax filings, offers unlimited pay runs, and integrates seamlessly with accounting software, making payroll easy and affordable. Scan QR code to access member benefit. >>> Scan QR code to access member benefit. >>> Ready to discover more member benefits? Explore the many ways to save on top-quality products and services for your practice, home, and life—just scan the QR code now! Choose with confidence, knowing these resources have been carefully researched and endorsed for members of the American Dental Association and/or the Georgia Dental Association. For this issue, explore companies that offer tools designed to streamline and improve the daily operations of your dental practice. | 21 Jan 2025
This year, make dental supply ordering easier than ever. GDA Dental Supply Company offers your practice the most essential items at unbeatable prices. Whether you’re ordering disposables or anesthetics, we make it simple to keep your practice running smoothly—all while saving you money. There’s no need to switch providers—just order the essentials from us and continue to work with your trusted suppliers. Anesthetics: Lidocaine $33.68 Carbocaine $69.30 Septocaine $58.85 Disposables: Saliva Ejectors $1.28 Medicine Cups $1.95 Patient Bibs (500 pack) $21.61 Try our new one-click ordering form! New GDA Dental Supply Company New Year, 22 | Jan 2025
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Business Loan Protection Insurance can be a game-changer for dentists, ensuring that their practice remains resilient and secure even in challenging times. Here’s why every dentist should consider this type of insurance: Invest in Business Loan Protection Insurance 5 REASONS WHY DENTISTS SHOULD Mitigating Financial Risks Business Loan Protection Insurance offers a safety net by covering loan repayments in case of unforeseen circumstances such as illness, disability, or even death. This means that if the primary loan borrower is unable to work, the insurance policy will cover the loan payments, protecting the practice from potential financial strain. Ensuring Business Continuity Business Loan Protection Insurance helps ensure that loan obligations are met, allowing the practice to continue operating smoothly and avoiding disruptions that could jeopardize its long-term viability. Protecting Against Unexpected Health Issues Business Loan Protection Insurance provides financial security by covering loan payments during periods when the dentist is unable to work. Safeguarding Your Investment Business Loan Protection Insurance helps maintain the practice’s financial stability, preventing the potential need to sell assets or take other drastic measures to meet loan obligations. Allows Personal DI policy to Protect the Dentist and Their Family Business Loan Protection Insurance secures the loan, allowing a dentist’s personal DI policy to protect themselves and their family. Business Loan Protection Insurance is a strategic investment that provides peace of mind and financial stability for dentists. By covering loan repayments in times of unforeseen circumstances, this insurance helps ensure that your practice remains resilient and continues to thrive. Protecting your practice today means securing its success for years to come. 1 2 3 4 5 24 | Jan 2025
It can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime. GDIS can help protect you and your business. | 25 Jan 2025
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Dr. Amber Lawson Teamwork Makes the Dream Work! MEET 2025 President ’s PRESIDENTIAL FOCUS AREAS • GDA Districts • Mentorship Program • Legislative Relationships • Share a Smile Program • Dental Staff Training • Efficient Meetings
Everything that happens in life provides an opportunity. Take a minute to look back on your own life. How did you get to where you are today? What decisions did you make that got you here? Which ones took you on a detour? Which individuals changed your course? What difficulties did you run into and how did they change you? We all have a story, and I was recently asked to share mine. Not long ago, I had a new patient who was fifteen years old. She had severe decalcification and decay on the facials of all her maxillary anterior teeth. She was quiet, would not smile and was scared to death. Her mother sat in the corner, propping her elbows on her knees, and tapping her feet. She was staring at me the entire time I worked. That was a bit daunting. When I was finished, she said, “I wish I could have watched you do that when I was in my twenties. I think I would have loved being a dentist. Watching you today was like watching a therapist, a surgeon, and an artist all at once. You calmed my daughter, gained her trust, worked with such precision, and made her smile for the first time in years. You are an artist and a doctor all in one. What made you decide to become a dentist?” Path to Dentistry After I processed her humbling compliments, I told her that when I turned sixteen my parents said I’d have to pay for gas if I wanted to drive. So, my job search began. In my hometown of Montezuma, there were not many options aside from babysitting. However, Daddy happened to be going to get his teeth cleaned. He asked Dr. Carl Williams if he planned to hire summer help. I still remember the outfit I wore to my very first official job interview! Dr Williams hired me to pull charts, seat patients, do sterilization, and keep the waiting room clean. I quickly got bored and asked if I could learn to assist. Fortunately, his assistant allowed me to help as much as I wanted. I asked a lot of questions. Dr. Williams explained procedures to me and showed me how he developed relationships with his patients. In rural Georgia, we saw patients from several counties. There were no specialists within forty-five miles, so Dr. Williams did most dental procedures himself. I got to see firsthand how he helped and became a vital part of the community. As a member of Dr. Williams’s staff, I attended my first Hinman Dental meeting when I was seventeen. I continued to work after school and the following summer. My path was mapped out and there were roadblocks that popped up, but the goal of becoming a dentist is what kept me motivated to find a way around them. I graduated high school from Southland Academy in Americus and began Mercer University as a pre-dental student. In February of my freshman year, I donated to the blood drive on campus. That night I started having a pain in my left side. After two months of inconclusive medical visits and scans, I went in for exploratory surgery and came out with a diagnosis of cancer. All the muscles in my left side and abdomen had to be removed. I was diagnosed with Extra-Osseous Ewing’s sarcoma by Sloan Kettering and received seventeen rounds of chemotherapy at Egleston at Emory. My inpatient chemotherapy lasted over twelve months, so I had to withdraw from Mercer for a year. A Life-Changing Set-Back The cancer diagnosis when I was only nineteen changed my life. Everything came to a halt. I was given a thirty percent chance of survival. Cancer taught me more in a year than I could have learned in a lifetime. I learned the importance of my health. I learned that real friends stick around in a crisis. It showed me what is important in life: Money or possessions couldn’t heal me. What did heal me was the support of family and friends, along with God’s love, healing, and peace. I found that attitude is everything. It’s not what happens to us. It is what we do with challenges that determines not only our future, but also our sense of happiness in the present. I also learned what it is like to be a patient! I found out what makes you feel like your needs and health are a priority to the doctor, and unfortunately how it feels when you are just a number. This lesson has been key in the way I treat all my patients. The Golden Rule applies in everything we do! One of the driving factors that got me through it all was my desire to return to Mercer so I could go to dental school and become a dentist. My oncologist, Dr. Stephen Lauer, told me that when he applied to dental school, he couldn’t carve chalk, so he was not accepted. I told him I was so glad he couldn’t carve chalk, and that he became an oncologist because he was part of God’s plan in saving my life. Immediately after completing my treatment, I returned to Mercer and majored in Communication with minors in Biology and Chemistry. The Come Back I began dental school at the Medical College of Georgia in 2002 and after graduating, completed the General Practice Residency at MCG. I purchased a 47-yearold practice in Macon, Georgia right after residency. The practice had been established by Dr. Tommy McKelvey and later owned by Dr. Pinkney Gilchrist. Dr. Gilchrist was going into an endodontic residency, so he left for school the day I started work. I formed a team to surround me to teach me the things I didn’t know. I hired a consultant, an accountant, and an attorney. I bought my insurance through the Georgia Dental Association because they gained my trust when I was in dental school. I have been in | 31 Jan 2025
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